Decision Theater helps decision makers visualize long-term policy implications

Researchers at the Decision Theater at ASU are taking input from facts and figures on paper and adding the visualization of two dimensions — space and time — to help decision makers see the results of their actions. The result: Officials now have a powerful tool to map out possible futures for a variety of scenarios here in the Valley — and beyond.

The Decision Theater is a facility for science-based, informed analysis to help local, state, national and international decision makers visualize the future. The projects are presented via a 270-degree, three-dimensional view, which is displayed on seven flat-panel screens.

The premiere for the Decision Theater took place May 23, when government and civic leaders got an up-close look at what the facility has to offer. Dignitaries invited to the opening included Gov. Janet Napolitano and ASU alum Ira A. Fulton, who donated $3 million to the Decision Theater.

"The Decision Theater will help us make better decisions to grow our state, and predict how those decisions affect quality of life," Napolitano noted. "There are so many areas of exploration. In addition to the ones you've seen in the demonstration, there are applications for health care, homeland security and many other areas."

Part of the initial presentation included an overview of the numerous water wells, canal systems and water treatment plants in the Phoenix metropolitan area, followed by a three-dimensional comparison of underground water tables from 1983 and 2002.

Another dramatic presentation at the opening of the theater displayed "heat island" differences in the Valley based on data collected between 1973 and 1998. In that 25-year time span, average nighttime lows in the metropolitan area have gone up between five and 10 degrees. As part of the presentation, ASU researchers were then able to extrapolate the data collected and show what the Valley heat island might look like in the year 2040, based on the effects of urban sprawl.

Researchers from scientific disciplines including geology, geophysics, environmental fluid mechanics, anthropology, biosciences, urban planning, remote sensing and network design, high-performance computing and cyber-infrastructure are advancing their research through collaborations with the Decision Theater.

"Decision Theater is a tool to reach across disciplines," says R.F. "Rick" Shangraw Jr., the theater's executive director. " … Politicians and other decision makers can see the results of their actions in ways they haven't seen it before."

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Civic leaders get a sneak peek at the new Decision Theater.

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